ADJECTIVE CLAUSES
The following activity on adjective clauses uses Ogden Nash's Requiem as inspiration.
There was a young belle of Natchez
Whose garments were always in patchez.
When comment arose
On the state of her clothes,
She drawled, When Ah itchez, Ah scratchez!
It is meant to highlight the use of "whose" in forming and using adjective clauses. I have not yet used this activity, but feel that it is a simple and creative way to illustrate the grammar point.
ACTIVITY: WRITE A LIMERICK
Activity:
Students write their own limerick using whose in the second line as part of an adjective clause showing possession. I would provide students with a limerick outline (see below) to assist. Once finished, students would present their limericks to the class. Class would then vote on favorite (perhaps several categories - weirdest, funniest, most creative).
Target Audience:
high-intermediate
Potential trouble spots:
Source material understanding ("patchez" and "Ah itchez, ah scratchez" likely need to be explained). Trouble finding rhyming words (bring in rhyming dictionary or two for students to use).
Limerick Outline:
Line 1: There once was a ____________________________ (8-9 syllables)
Line 2: Whose _____________________________________ (8-9 syllables)
Line 3: ____________________________________________ (5 syllables)
Line 4: ____________________________________________ (5 syllables)
Line 5: ____________________________________________ (8-9 syllables)
*Lines 1, 2 and 5 should rhyme with each other. Lines 3 and 4 should rhyme with each other.